University College Dublin
Fieldwork Risk Assessment Template
Persons completing this assessment should refer to the UCD Fieldwork Safety Manual
1. General Information
Name of Person(s) nominated as Fieldwork Leader
and their position
Principal Investigator / Supervisor / Head of School
or Unit
(Person responsible for ensuring safety)
Name(s) of other staff members attending and
their position
Details of fieldwork participants i.e. undergraduate
students; postgraduate researchers; etc.
Date of Assessment
Duration and Frequency of fieldwork
(Please provide date or range of dates of fieldwork)
Location of fieldwork
Please see Appendix 1 for Attendance sheet and Next-of-Kin details required for each participant,
including fieldwork leader(s).
2. Title and Details of the Proposed Fieldwork - Provide details of fieldwork objectives, activities,
equipment used, location, transport arrangements, third party requirements, site owner details, etc.
Attach additional information, drawings, maps, permits, etc. as required.
Title of Fieldwork:
Details:
UCD SIRC Office
Rev 2. May 2015
Page 1 of 6
University College Dublin
Fieldwork Risk Assessment Template
3. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
Refer to the UCD Fieldwork Safety Manual for further detail
To complete the Risk Assessment Form below:


Identify the hazards in undertaking this fieldwork
Evaluate the associated risks and consider who might be harmed and how, including any persons
with health problems or lacking experience who may be at greater risk.
List control measures to reduce the risk - procedures, equipment, training etc.
Establish the residual risk rating after the implementation of controls


Risk Rating = Likelihood of risk occurring x Severity of outcome
Severity
Likelihood
Low
Low
Trivial
Medium Acceptable
High
Moderate
Medium
Acceptable
Moderate
Substantial
High
Moderate
Substantial
Intolerable
Assessment of Likelihood and Severity
Low
Medium
High
Severity of Outcome
Slightly Harmful
Harmful
Very Harmful
Likelihood of Exposure
Unlikely
Likely
Very Likely
1.
2.
3.
4.
Trivial Risk: No further action needed
Acceptable Risk: No additional risk control measures required
Moderate Risk: Implement further risk control measures if possible
Substantial Risk: Further control measures must be implemented. If this is not possible then work
must be strictly managed to ensure safety.
5. Intolerable: Work must be prohibited until further control measures are implemented.
UCD SIRC Office
Rev 2. May 2015
Page 2 of 6
University College Dublin
Fieldwork Risk Assessment Template
Hazard
Risk(s)
Control Measure(s)
a. Physical
hazards
(e.g. extreme
weather;
mountains and
cliffs, quarries,
marshes; fresh or
seawater)
Residual Risk Rating:
b. Biological
hazards
(e.g. poisonous
plants; aggressive
animals; insects,
soil or water micro
organisms)
Residual Risk Rating:
c. Chemical
hazards
(e.g. pesticides;
dusts;
contaminated
soils; chemicals
brought into site)
Residual Risk Rating:
d. Man-made
hazards
(e.g. electrical
equipment;
vehicles, insecure
buildings; slurry
pits; power and
pipelines)
Residual Risk Rating:
e. Personal safety
(e.g. lone working,
violence and
aggression)
Residual Risk Rating:
UCD SIRC Office
Rev 2. May 2015
Page 3 of 6
University College Dublin
Fieldwork Risk Assessment Template
Hazard
Risk(s)
Control Measure(s)
f. Environmental
impact
(e.g. rubbish;
pollution, extreme
heat/ cold)
Residual Risk Rating:
g. Other hazards
(e.g. manual
handling, fatigue,
etc.)
Residual Risk Rating:
4. Additional Risk Control Measures
Select as appropriate
Yes
No
N/A
a. Has adequate insurance been obtained (Incl. PL, equipment or
travel)? Provide Details below
b. Have suitable travel arrangements been made (incl. licensed
drivers)? Provide Details below
c. Has permission been obtained from landowner to work onsite?
d. Has adequate documented training and information been given to
all participants?
e. Have next of kin details been obtained for all participants,
including fieldwork leader(s)? (See Appendix 1)
f. Has adequate provision been made for persons with health
problems or any special requirements? Provide Details below
g. Have adequate first aid provisions been made? Provide Details
below
UCD SIRC Office
Rev 2. May 2015
Page 4 of 6
University College Dublin
Fieldwork Risk Assessment Template
h. Detail fieldwork emergency response plan, including emergency response contact numbers
i. Detail all necessary safety and other equipment that must be carried by the expedition as a
whole and by every individual, include clothing requirements
5. Sign off by Fieldwork Leader and Head of School/ Principal Investigator
Is the risk rating acceptable:
Yes
No
If yes sign and date below and ensure all risk control measures have been implemented.
If no identify further control measures and reassess risk. If the risk cannot be reduced to an acceptable
level then the process cannot be carried out.
Is this work suitable for lone working: Yes
No
Signed:
Date:
Position:
________________
__________
________________
Signed:
Date:
Position:
________________
___________
________________
This document must be signed by the person carrying out the assessment and their academic
supervisor / manager / head of school(person responsible for ensuring safety).
UCD SIRC Office
Rev 2. May 2015
Page 5 of 6
University College Dublin
Fieldwork Risk Assessment Template
Appendix 1 – Attendance Sheet of all fieldwork participants
Name
Contact Details
Next-of-Kin Name
Next-of-Kin Contact
Details
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
UCD SIRC Office
Rev 2. May 2015
Page 6 of 6